EastEnders star Jamie Borthwick has been suspended by BBC after using a derogatory word to describe locals in Blackpool – which is also regarded as a disabled slur
Jamie Borthwick has been seen for the first time since he was suspended by the BBC for using a disabled slur on the set of Strictly Come Dancing. The 30-year-old EastEnders star is said to have made the offensive remark while the Strictly cast were at Blackpool Tower Ballroom last November.
It has been reported the actor – who plays Jay Brown in the BBC soap – was filmed using the derogatory word to describe locals in Blackpool, where the BBC show films a glitzy live episode before the finals. The word he used is also a derogatory term regarded as a disabled slur. The footage is then said to been sent to one of his pals.
The actor has since issued a grovelling apology, saying: “I want to apologise sincerely and wholeheartedly for the words I used in the video showing my reaction to making it through Blackpool week on Strictly. I am deeply sorry for any offence and upset my words and actions have caused.
“It is no excuse, but I did not fully understand the derogatory term I used and its meaning. That is on me completely. Now I am aware, I am deeply embarrassed to have used the term and directed it in the way I did. It was wrong.”
But it seems the apology was too little, too late as Jamie was suspended by the BBC once it came to light. Explaining why, a BBC spokesperson said: “This language is entirely unacceptable and in no way reflects the values or standards we hold and expect at the BBC. We have robust processes in place for this.”
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Warren Kirwan, media manager at disability equality charity Scope, blasted the language used and said: “Attitudes and language like this are never acceptable. It’s not just ignorant and hurtful to disabled people, it has wider consequences.
“Negative attitudes hold disabled people back in all areas of life, from getting a job to shopping on the high street. Mr Borthwick needs to reflect on what he said, educate himself and do better. We hope he takes the opportunity to get to know the reality of disabled people’s lives.”
Breaking cover for the first time since his suspension was announced, Jamie looked downcast as he was spotted running errands near his home earlier today. In the pictures obtained by The Sun, the star sported a blue and green striped T-shirt, grey shorts and trainers as he made his way to his car. An onlooker reportedly said: “He looked like a man with the weight of the world on his shoulders, which isn’t surprising given the hot water he is in right now.”
And it’s not the first Strictly scandal Jamie has been involved with since appearing on the show. Footage reportedly emerged of him brandishing a sex toy sent to him by celebrity co-star Go Compare opera singer Wynne Evans, who has also found himself under fire for his behaviour on Strictly.
The inappropriate video was said to have been shared in a messaging group with other Strictly stars, who it is suggested did not expect nor want to be included in an exchange that had a sexual connotation. The clip is thought to have been filmed just two days after Wynne was recorded making a sexualised comment about pro dancer Janette Manrara.
Wynne, who was a BBC Radio Wales presenter, has since been dropped by the BBC following an apology saying that he used “inappropriate language” during the launch of the Strictly Come Dancing tour.
The singer, who performed in the 25th anniversary of The Phantom Of The Opera and also won 2023’s Celebrity MasterChef, told The Sun on Sunday earlier this month that the Strictly comment was not sexual or directed at one of the female cast – but a nickname for fellow contestant Jamie.
He told the paper: “I didn’t see the statement – ‘Old Spit-roast Boy’ was a nickname for Jamie Borthwick. I’m not a bad guy, I’m not a misogynist, I’m not any of these things. And so I went, ‘I’m so sorry’.
“And that was taken as a formal apology, so the press team issued a statement. I didn’t see it. When I read the apology within the context of the story as it had been written, I was absolutely horrified.”
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Source: Mirror
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